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14 Mar 2025, Fri

8 titles, 33 drivers and a new promise

Vice-cônsul da Colômbia - Claudia Ortiz Vaca


The seven-season wait is finally over. This weekend, in Australia, Gabriel Bortoleto makes his Formula 1 debut with Sauber, bringing Brazil back to the grid of a sport once dominated by legends like Emerson Fittipaldi, Nelson Piquet, and Ayrton Senna. At just 20 years old, the young driver becomes the 33rd Brazilian to compete in the series, carrying the hopes of reviving the glory days of a nation that boasts eight world titles, 101 victories, and 293 podiums. His debut marks a turning point for Brazilian motorsport, which hasn’t had a full-time driver since Felipe Massa left in 2017. Bortoleto arrives with an impressive resume: he’s the first driver to win Formula 3 and Formula 2 as a rookie in consecutive years, showcasing his potential for the future. However, the road to the top won’t be easy. Sauber, set to become Audi in 2026, finished last in the latest constructors’ championship, and expectations for 2025 remain modest. Still, the Brazilian keeps his feet on the ground and his sights on the dream of becoming a world champion.

Brazil’s return to Formula 1 stirs memories of a victorious past. From the 1970s to the 1990s, the country enjoyed its golden era in the sport, with Fittipaldi breaking barriers as a two-time champion in 1972 and 1974, Piquet securing three titles in 1981, 1983, and 1987, and Senna cementing his legacy with championships in 1988, 1990, and 1991. After Senna’s tragic death in 1994, Brazil still celebrated wins with Rubens Barrichello and Felipe Massa, but no championship trophy has come home since. Now, with Bortoleto, a new generation has a chance to dream big.

The Brazilian journey in Formula 1 began long before, with Chico Landi in 1951, and spans over seven decades of passion and achievement. The 2025 grid, kicking off this weekend in Melbourne, will once again feature a touch of green and yellow, something fans have awaited since Massa’s farewell. Bortoleto’s debut is not just a personal milestone but a symbol of resilience for Brazilian motorsport.

Bortoleto’s journey to Sauber

Gabriel Bortoleto steps into Formula 1 with a track record few can match. Born in São Paulo, he started in karting as a child and quickly rose through national and international ranks. His meteoric rise came in the junior categories: in 2023, he clinched the Formula 3 title in his debut season, repeating the feat in Formula 2 in 2024, both as a rookie. These back-to-back triumphs caught Sauber’s eye, leading to his signing for 2025 alongside veteran Nico Hülkenberg. The Swiss team, currently transitioning to Audi, sees the Brazilian as part of a long-term vision.

Despite his promising background, Sauber’s current situation is far from ideal. In 2024, the team scored just four points in the constructors’ championship, trailing even behind Haas and Williams. Analysts predict the 2025 car won’t yet compete for podiums or wins, but the Audi takeover in 2026 could shift the landscape. For Bortoleto, the early focus will be on gaining experience and proving his worth in a fiercely competitive field.

His debut at Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit will be a baptism by fire. Known for its fast corners and demand for precision, the Australian track is unforgiving to newcomers. Nevertheless, Bortoleto remains confident. In recent interviews, he described the season as a learning curve but made clear he’s not放弃ing his ambition to reach the pinnacle of Formula 1 someday.

Brazil’s legacy in Formula 1

Brazil has left an indelible mark on Formula 1 history, with stats that still dazzle. Of the 33 drivers who’ve represented the country, six have stood atop the podium: Emerson Fittipaldi, José Carlos Pace, Nelson Piquet, Ayrton Senna, Rubens Barrichello, and Felipe Massa. Together, they’ve racked up 101 wins, with Senna leading the pack at 41 victories. The nation also tops the charts with 126 pole positions and has climbed the podium 293 times. These accomplishments rank Brazil among the sport’s most successful countries, trailing only powerhouses like the United Kingdom and Germany.

Among the standout moments, Senna’s era turned Sundays into national celebrations. His 1991 win at Interlagos, under rain and with a failing car, remains one of the sport’s greatest feats. Before him, Fittipaldi paved the way by taking the 1972 title with Lotus, while Piquet shone with his tactical brilliance and championships at Brabham and Williams. Barrichello and Massa kept Brazil competitive in the 2000s, with Barrichello’s 2009 Monza victory marking the country’s last triumph in the series.

The Brazilian influence extends beyond drivers. In 1975, the Fittipaldi family launched the nation’s first and only Formula 1 team, Copersucar-Fittipaldi. Backed by brands like Skol and Copersucar, the outfit raced until 1982, securing three podiums: two with Emerson and one with Keke Rosberg. Though it never won a race, the project stood as a bold milestone in Brazilian motorsport.

Challenges and expectations for 2025

Joining Sauber in 2025 is no small task for Gabriel Bortoleto. The Swiss team has struggled technically for years, and its current car lags behind the grid’s frontrunners. Last season, Sauber ended with just four points, while teams like Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull dominated the standings. For 2025, the outlook is a mid-pack battle against Haas, Alpine, and Williams. The Audi transition in 2026 could change the game, but until then, Bortoleto will need to shine through sheer skill rather than car performance.

The 2025 Formula 1 calendar offers some early chances for Bortoleto to make his mark. Here are the season’s opening races:

  • March 16: Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne.
  • March 23: Chinese Grand Prix, Shanghai.
  • April 6: Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka.
  • April 20: Miami Grand Prix, United States.

These initial races will be key for the rookie to adapt and build momentum. On November 9, at Interlagos, he’ll race in front of the Brazilian crowd, a moment sure to carry extra weight.

Beyond his debut, Brazil has other talents in the pipeline. Felipe Drugovich, the 2022 Formula 2 champion, serves as Aston Martin’s reserve and could secure a seat soon. Rafael Câmara, competing in Formula 3, is another prospect on the rise. Bortoleto’s presence on the grid, however, is the first concrete step for this new wave.

Pioneers and prospects of motorsport

Brazil’s Formula 1 story began with Chico Landi, who in 1951 became the country’s first driver in the series. Born in São Paulo, Landi raced on Brazilian streets in the 1930s before heading to Europe. His debut at Monza, driving a Ferrari-powered car, kicked off a legacy that now reaches Bortoleto. After his death in 1989, his ashes were scattered at Interlagos, an autodrome he once managed.

Decades later, Gabriel Bortoleto embodies the continuation of that heritage. His success in the junior ranks is rare—only drivers like Charles Leclerc and George Russell have matched such feats before hitting Formula 1. To Brazilian fans, he’s more than a rookie; he’s a chance to relive the thrills of Senna, Piquet, and Fittipaldi. While Sauber isn’t in the hunt for wins, Bortoleto’s task is to establish himself as a steady contender.

Brazilian motorsport also holds tales of triumph and tragedy. José Carlos Pace, nicknamed Moco, won the 1975 Brazilian Grand Prix but saw his career cut short by a plane crash in 1977. That lone victory at Interlagos hit its 50th anniversary in 2025, aligning with Brazil’s return to the grid.

Numbers and trivia of Brazilian Formula 1

Brazil’s Formula 1 achievements are striking and worth spotlighting. Check out some trivia about its drivers in the series:

  • Ayrton Senna holds records with 41 wins and 65 pole positions, making him the country’s biggest icon in the sport.
  • Emerson Fittipaldi was the youngest world champion at the time, winning at 25 in 1972.
  • Rubens Barrichello has the most starts in Formula 1 history, with 323 races from 1993 to 2011.
  • Felipe Massa missed the 2008 title by a single point in a season tainted by controversy.

These figures underscore Brazil’s strength in the category, even during dry spells. Bortoleto’s debut reignites the prospect of new records down the line.

Formula 1 has evolved vastly since Landi and Fittipaldi’s days. Today, technology drives the cars, and competition is fiercer than ever. For Bortoleto, the challenge is to adapt while bearing the expectations of a speed-obsessed nation. His journey begins now, and Brazil will be watching closely in Melbourne this weekend.

The seven-season wait is finally over. This weekend, in Australia, Gabriel Bortoleto makes his Formula 1 debut with Sauber, bringing Brazil back to the grid of a sport once dominated by legends like Emerson Fittipaldi, Nelson Piquet, and Ayrton Senna. At just 20 years old, the young driver becomes the 33rd Brazilian to compete in the series, carrying the hopes of reviving the glory days of a nation that boasts eight world titles, 101 victories, and 293 podiums. His debut marks a turning point for Brazilian motorsport, which hasn’t had a full-time driver since Felipe Massa left in 2017. Bortoleto arrives with an impressive resume: he’s the first driver to win Formula 3 and Formula 2 as a rookie in consecutive years, showcasing his potential for the future. However, the road to the top won’t be easy. Sauber, set to become Audi in 2026, finished last in the latest constructors’ championship, and expectations for 2025 remain modest. Still, the Brazilian keeps his feet on the ground and his sights on the dream of becoming a world champion.

Brazil’s return to Formula 1 stirs memories of a victorious past. From the 1970s to the 1990s, the country enjoyed its golden era in the sport, with Fittipaldi breaking barriers as a two-time champion in 1972 and 1974, Piquet securing three titles in 1981, 1983, and 1987, and Senna cementing his legacy with championships in 1988, 1990, and 1991. After Senna’s tragic death in 1994, Brazil still celebrated wins with Rubens Barrichello and Felipe Massa, but no championship trophy has come home since. Now, with Bortoleto, a new generation has a chance to dream big.

The Brazilian journey in Formula 1 began long before, with Chico Landi in 1951, and spans over seven decades of passion and achievement. The 2025 grid, kicking off this weekend in Melbourne, will once again feature a touch of green and yellow, something fans have awaited since Massa’s farewell. Bortoleto’s debut is not just a personal milestone but a symbol of resilience for Brazilian motorsport.

Bortoleto’s journey to Sauber

Gabriel Bortoleto steps into Formula 1 with a track record few can match. Born in São Paulo, he started in karting as a child and quickly rose through national and international ranks. His meteoric rise came in the junior categories: in 2023, he clinched the Formula 3 title in his debut season, repeating the feat in Formula 2 in 2024, both as a rookie. These back-to-back triumphs caught Sauber’s eye, leading to his signing for 2025 alongside veteran Nico Hülkenberg. The Swiss team, currently transitioning to Audi, sees the Brazilian as part of a long-term vision.

Despite his promising background, Sauber’s current situation is far from ideal. In 2024, the team scored just four points in the constructors’ championship, trailing even behind Haas and Williams. Analysts predict the 2025 car won’t yet compete for podiums or wins, but the Audi takeover in 2026 could shift the landscape. For Bortoleto, the early focus will be on gaining experience and proving his worth in a fiercely competitive field.

His debut at Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit will be a baptism by fire. Known for its fast corners and demand for precision, the Australian track is unforgiving to newcomers. Nevertheless, Bortoleto remains confident. In recent interviews, he described the season as a learning curve but made clear he’s not放弃ing his ambition to reach the pinnacle of Formula 1 someday.

Brazil’s legacy in Formula 1

Brazil has left an indelible mark on Formula 1 history, with stats that still dazzle. Of the 33 drivers who’ve represented the country, six have stood atop the podium: Emerson Fittipaldi, José Carlos Pace, Nelson Piquet, Ayrton Senna, Rubens Barrichello, and Felipe Massa. Together, they’ve racked up 101 wins, with Senna leading the pack at 41 victories. The nation also tops the charts with 126 pole positions and has climbed the podium 293 times. These accomplishments rank Brazil among the sport’s most successful countries, trailing only powerhouses like the United Kingdom and Germany.

Among the standout moments, Senna’s era turned Sundays into national celebrations. His 1991 win at Interlagos, under rain and with a failing car, remains one of the sport’s greatest feats. Before him, Fittipaldi paved the way by taking the 1972 title with Lotus, while Piquet shone with his tactical brilliance and championships at Brabham and Williams. Barrichello and Massa kept Brazil competitive in the 2000s, with Barrichello’s 2009 Monza victory marking the country’s last triumph in the series.

The Brazilian influence extends beyond drivers. In 1975, the Fittipaldi family launched the nation’s first and only Formula 1 team, Copersucar-Fittipaldi. Backed by brands like Skol and Copersucar, the outfit raced until 1982, securing three podiums: two with Emerson and one with Keke Rosberg. Though it never won a race, the project stood as a bold milestone in Brazilian motorsport.

Challenges and expectations for 2025

Joining Sauber in 2025 is no small task for Gabriel Bortoleto. The Swiss team has struggled technically for years, and its current car lags behind the grid’s frontrunners. Last season, Sauber ended with just four points, while teams like Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull dominated the standings. For 2025, the outlook is a mid-pack battle against Haas, Alpine, and Williams. The Audi transition in 2026 could change the game, but until then, Bortoleto will need to shine through sheer skill rather than car performance.

The 2025 Formula 1 calendar offers some early chances for Bortoleto to make his mark. Here are the season’s opening races:

  • March 16: Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne.
  • March 23: Chinese Grand Prix, Shanghai.
  • April 6: Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka.
  • April 20: Miami Grand Prix, United States.

These initial races will be key for the rookie to adapt and build momentum. On November 9, at Interlagos, he’ll race in front of the Brazilian crowd, a moment sure to carry extra weight.

Beyond his debut, Brazil has other talents in the pipeline. Felipe Drugovich, the 2022 Formula 2 champion, serves as Aston Martin’s reserve and could secure a seat soon. Rafael Câmara, competing in Formula 3, is another prospect on the rise. Bortoleto’s presence on the grid, however, is the first concrete step for this new wave.

Pioneers and prospects of motorsport

Brazil’s Formula 1 story began with Chico Landi, who in 1951 became the country’s first driver in the series. Born in São Paulo, Landi raced on Brazilian streets in the 1930s before heading to Europe. His debut at Monza, driving a Ferrari-powered car, kicked off a legacy that now reaches Bortoleto. After his death in 1989, his ashes were scattered at Interlagos, an autodrome he once managed.

Decades later, Gabriel Bortoleto embodies the continuation of that heritage. His success in the junior ranks is rare—only drivers like Charles Leclerc and George Russell have matched such feats before hitting Formula 1. To Brazilian fans, he’s more than a rookie; he’s a chance to relive the thrills of Senna, Piquet, and Fittipaldi. While Sauber isn’t in the hunt for wins, Bortoleto’s task is to establish himself as a steady contender.

Brazilian motorsport also holds tales of triumph and tragedy. José Carlos Pace, nicknamed Moco, won the 1975 Brazilian Grand Prix but saw his career cut short by a plane crash in 1977. That lone victory at Interlagos hit its 50th anniversary in 2025, aligning with Brazil’s return to the grid.

Numbers and trivia of Brazilian Formula 1

Brazil’s Formula 1 achievements are striking and worth spotlighting. Check out some trivia about its drivers in the series:

  • Ayrton Senna holds records with 41 wins and 65 pole positions, making him the country’s biggest icon in the sport.
  • Emerson Fittipaldi was the youngest world champion at the time, winning at 25 in 1972.
  • Rubens Barrichello has the most starts in Formula 1 history, with 323 races from 1993 to 2011.
  • Felipe Massa missed the 2008 title by a single point in a season tainted by controversy.

These figures underscore Brazil’s strength in the category, even during dry spells. Bortoleto’s debut reignites the prospect of new records down the line.

Formula 1 has evolved vastly since Landi and Fittipaldi’s days. Today, technology drives the cars, and competition is fiercer than ever. For Bortoleto, the challenge is to adapt while bearing the expectations of a speed-obsessed nation. His journey begins now, and Brazil will be watching closely in Melbourne this weekend.



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